Laura Telles is the Chief Achievement Officer for the Phoenix Union High School District. Ms. Telles has been part of the PXU family for over 20 years and has served in a wide variety of roles during her tenure.  As District level leader, she has worked as Executive Director of the Technology & Logistics Division, and in the Talent Division as Executive Director, Director and Recruiter. She has also served as the Director of Curriculum for the Phoenix Union High School District.  She has over 20 years in education as a practitioner at many levels in the educational system. She began her teaching career in New Mexico as a junior high teacher. She has taught high school in Texas and Arizona in urban districts at multiple Title I schools.

She received her Bachelor’s degree from New Mexico State University and Master’s Degrees in Human Resource Management and Educational Leadership from Ottawa University. Passionate about student learning, equity of access, and employee development she actively seeks to turn challenges typical of urban districts into opportunities for students and communities to thrive. In keeping with PXU values, she looks for opportunities to increase sustainability, and recently PXU became the first district in Arizona to implement electric buses as part of its student transportation fleet. Additionally, under her leadership, the District is installing turf fields that will increase water conservation efforts as well as increase the use of LED lighting to reduce electricity consumption.

She was blessed to grow up in a military household that provided an opportunity to live all over the US and travel abroad while instilling values of hard work, integrity, and a desire to give back.  She and her children are proud to call Phoenix home.